Say Goodbye to Hollywood

For the most part, I was impressed by this movie for capturing the stark and lonely landscape of Hollywood. The film manages to get the bleak premise that we must all hide and live in fear. Sean (Michael Collins), conveys depression and anxiety equally well as he lives his life on the wiped out streets of L. A. The film starts slowly and methodically but begins to pick up the pace about half way through. At times the film editing seems uneven and almost like patchwork, but maybe that is what is supposed to happen to give a certain effect. The cinematography is very striking and picturesque. Overall, the storyline is relevant to future catastrophic events. The acting is very good and the film will leave you with a sense of emptiness which I am sure that is why it was created. This film can drag along at times, but stick with it because it does hold your attention.

In "Say Goodbye to Hollywood," director Steven Helgoth does a brilliant job of capturing the emptiness and isolation associated with a global pandemic. Through striking visuals of an empty and lonely Los Angeles Landscape, Michael thematically explores how isolation and loneliness impact the human psyche in a post-apocalyptic environment. The pacing is measured and methodical to capture the loneliness felt by the protagonist and ultimate culminates in a surprise ending. Michael Collins, who portrays the protagonist in this film, does a great job conveying a character struggling with loss and anxiety as he attempts to cope with this new world order.

It is surreal to see usually bustling areas of Los Angeles such as Hollywood as deserted as they are portrayed in 'Say Goodbye to Hollywood,' a sobering reminder of recent history and the backdrop for this dystopian drama centering around a mysterious solo traveler. The film slowly unfolds through these vast empty scenes that convey isolation and loneliness with elements of fantasy, at times reminiscent of The Stand, that keeps us guessing in this parallel pandemic universe. A spiritual quality runs throughout that explores the themes of loss, fate, and truth, adding unexpected twists and turns to a story that would otherwise make up your standard pandemic movie.

Interesting take on a pandemic that acknowledges the subterfuge involved. Taking a Covid-like scenario and bumping it to a more intense level. An intense journey to the other side for a new hope. Arresting shots of LA. Wonderful haunting score by Jacob Bunton.

This little gem plays out in a barren Los Angeles where our protagonist Sean needs to come to terms with the new reality, a new world. It's a mysterious and spiritual journey. If you enjoy movies like The Road and Leave no Trace, this indie is for you.